Manchester United are heading for a stormy few weeks behind closed doors, with reports claiming that crunch transfer talks have been scheduled with Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the January window. Both players are said to be growing deeply frustrated by their limited minutes under boss Ruben Amorim, and are now demanding clarity on their futures before the turn of the year.
Mainoo’s England nightmare looms
Just over a year ago, Kobbie Mainoo was the toast of English football, starring in the Euro 2024 final and being labelled as England’s midfield future. But now, the 20-year-old faces a nightmare scenario. Having missed out on recent England call-ups for both the September and October camps, Mainoo fears his lack of playing time could cost him a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad next summer. Mainoo has made just six appearances this season, totalling a mere 203 minutes, and is said to be growing increasingly anxious about his stagnating progress. And according to the United hierarchy are keen to allay those fears and open contract talks with the youngster, assuring him that he remains an integral part of Amorim's plans despite his dwindling minutes.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesZirkzee's nightmare spell continues
While Mainoo fights for his England future, Joshua Zirkzee is battling to rescue his own career after a brutal few months at Old Trafford. After completing his €42.5 million (£37m) switch from Bologna last year, the Dutch forward has fallen down the pecking order behind Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo and managed just 82 minutes across four appearances, all from the bench, in this campaign. His exclusion has already cost him dearly as Netherlands boss, Ronald Koeman, left him out of the most recent national team squad, prompting Zirkzee to look for a solution.
Serie A clubs circling for Zirkzee and Mainoo
Help, however, may be arriving from Italy. According to , Napoli are preparing a fresh move for Mainoo in January after failing to land him during the summer window. The Serie A champions had initially targeted the midfielder before switching focus to Romelu Lukaku’s replacement, ultimately signing Rasmus Hojlund on loan from United instead. Now, Napoli are reportedly “confident” they can strike a deal, with plans to offer a straight loan without a purchase option, ensuring United maintain long-term control over the player. Sources in Italy claim the Partenopei see Mainoo as an ideal short-term fix to strengthen their midfield and are hopeful United will accept, especially given the player’s desire for regular game time. He had already requested a loan move in the summer, which was turned down by United, and if things don't change in the next couple of months, the desperation to leave Old Trafford will only increase.
AS Roma, now managed by long-time admirer Gian Piero Gasperini, are also said to be ready to hand Zirkzee a lifeline, offering a loan return to Serie A for the remainder of the season. The deal is said to be financially feasible, with Roma prepared to cover €1.8 million of his salary. Amorim and United’s hierarchy are expected to discuss the offer in upcoming transfer meetings, but they remain cautious about weakening their squad midway through the season. If approved, the move could reignite Zirkzee’s form and keep alive his hopes of forcing his way back into Koeman’s World Cup plans for 2026.
Getty ImagesHistory at stake, work to do for United board
For Amorim, Mainoo’s potential departure poses more than just a footballing headache; it risks ending one of Manchester United’s proudest traditions. Since October 1937, United have featured at least one academy player in every single matchday squad, a record spanning 87 years. In their last fixture against Sunderland, Mainoo was the only academy graduate included in the lineup. If he leaves, even temporarily, that historic streak could collapse. Amorim acknowledged the weight of that legacy earlier this season, saying: "We want to maintain it. The past of Manchester United is built on kids. I don't want to be the guy that breaks that."
